Letting go of a beloved companion is one of the most challenging and emotional choices a pet owner can face, often accompanied by financial strain from limited affordable, humane options. At the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, compassion drives the efforts to remove these barriers. Shannon Southworth, an avid animal lover and pet owner, shares her experience of saying goodbye to her dearest partner, Toby Aaron Southworth - a fluffy kitty with a love for Pizza Hut pizza, dancing to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, and ruling over cardboard box castles.

“Toby rescued me in West Hills, California in 2010,” Shannon recounts. “Toby rode on my shoulders, danced in my arms, slept by my side; every single good and bad thing that happened to me for 14 years. Toby saw me through homelessness and the loss of my family. Toby was my greatest friend and comfort and there was nothing in my financial capacity that I could do to treat the vicious cancer that attacked his sweet little self.”

In the throes of Toby’s illness, Shannon did everything within her means to provide him with the care he needed. Faced with limited affordable options, Shannon turned to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter where she worked closely with Medical Director, Dr. Tessha Winsch, to give Toby the dignified farewell he deserved.

“I am one of thousands, my story is not uncommon.”

“If I did not have the mercy of end-of-life care by Dr. Tess and the Shelter, the horrors of my past that were colliding with the eminent loss helped me navigate the pain while providing the best, painless passing my Angel in fur deserved.”

The end-of-life care program is crucial for our community. By becoming a Steady Sidekick, you are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that pet owners have affordable access to the comfort and peace they deserve during their pets’ final moments.

Together, we can become the kind hand to hold in someone’s heaviest of moments.

Become a Steady Sidekick